Funding of more than £700,000 to empower communities across Scotland to take action to tackle climate change was announced today by Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead.

The first tranche of projects supported through the Climate Challenge Fund, to help drive community-led action to reduce emissions, include:

• Supporting a village-wide energy efficiency scheme, to survey every property and provide free insulation where required
• Developing a community heat and power scheme, to provide more cost effective energy
• Promoting the use of locally sustainable powered electric vehicles in rural areas
• Converting a local leisure centre to more energy efficient lighting

• Providing cycling training for young people to encourage more sustainable and active travel

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"From introducing more energy efficient power to encouraging more sustainable modes of travel, these initiatives will all act to significantly reduce emissions. These community-led projects will bring wider social and economic benefits to improve the quality of life of people across Scotland.

"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing us today, both here in Scotland and across the world. We want Scotland to be part of the global solution.

"This is why the Scottish Government with the Scottish Greens is encouraging communities to apply to the £18.8m Climate Challenge Fund. It will enable communities to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local and national environment.

"This is part of an exciting new era for community empowerment. I look forward to seeing the results of these projects in making a real difference to our environment both locally and globally."

Scottish Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: "Communities with good ideas often need a little public support to get the ball rolling, and it's great to see that happening from Fife to Fintry, and from Castlemilk to Craigmillar.

"The communities receiving funding today are pioneers, and their projects will show the way for others across Scotland and beyond who want to cut their carbon emissions and improve their quality of life at the same time."

The Climate Challenge Fund is part of a wide range of efforts by the Scottish Government to reduce Scotland's emissions by 80% by 2050.

(GK/JM)